Louella Parsons

Louella Rose Oettinger, born on August 6, 1881, and better known by her pen name Louella Parsons, was a pioneering American gossip columnist and screenwriter. Her influence in the world of entertainment was monumental, with her columns reaching an astounding twenty million readers across seven hundred newspapers globally at the height of her career.

Parsons made history as the first writer to create a dedicated column on motion pictures in the United States, launching her career with a column for the Chicago Record-Herald in 1914. Her talent and insight soon led her to the New York Morning Telegraph, and in 1924, she was lured to the New York American by the powerful William Randolph Hearst, who was captivated by her support for his mistress, Marion Davies.

As an influential figure in Hollywood, Parsons earned the title of the unchallenged 'Queen of Hollywood gossip.' Her reign, however, faced challenges with the emergence of the flamboyant Hedda Hopper, leading to a long-standing feud that captivated the public's attention.